These three
albums of extracts from concerts recorded at the Cairdeas na bhFidiléirí
summer schools in Glencolmcille during the 1990s provide not only a more than
enticing glimpse of the then current state of fiddle music in Donegal, but, in
each case, a thoroughly rewarding experience for the listener. Indeed, whether
already a connoisseur of the various local styles which conjoin to form that
very recognisable Donegal ‘drive’, just an admirer of fine fiddling, or a
beginner seeking to enhance skills or learn new tunes, this trio of CDs is not
just a rewarding, but an essential purchase.

Virtually all of the most well-known Donegal
fiddlers of the late 20th century are present (though notable
exceptions include Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Ciarán Tourish, Liz Doherty and Danny
Meehan). Think of a Campbell, a Byrne or a McGinley and you’ll find them here
as well as musicians from virtually every area of the county. There are plenty
of Donegal-influenced ‘outlanders’ too, and, most gratifyingly for old
curmudgeons like me, all the musicians have been recorded unaccompanied.

Each of the CDs includes biographies of the
musicians and trenchant information on the tunes they play, provided by that
font of wisdom Caoimhín Mac Aoidh. All proceeds from the sales of the albums are
ploughed back into Cairdeas’s work in supporting music in Donegal.

Apologies to anyone expecting a full review of
these albums – I’m too biased to provide such. GW.